The orange and cheery Least Skipper is a small butterfly that prefers humid regions and tall grasses.
Unlike other grass skippers, the Least Skipper is not an excellent flyer. It flutters about, as if it is struggling to stay aloft. Their habitat, however, relieves them of the need to excel at flying in straight lines. Males fly in and around tall grasses in search of females. Females lay eggs on a stalk of tall grass. Larvae hatch and use the grass to form a nest by either rolling it around themselves or using cocoon silk to cover themselves. Caterpillars are bright green and have white spots along both sides of the body. They feed on the grass as well. Adults are active in spring and summer. In warmer states, they are also active in the winter months. They prefer marshes and wetlands where reeds and cattails can provide cover and food, but they may be seen in drier areas as well.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Hymenoptera
Family:Hesperiidae
Genus:Ancyloxphya
Species:numitor
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Ancyloxphya numitor
Category:
Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 15mm to 27mm (0.59in to 1.05in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
1
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
3
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
5
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
6
Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.
Colors: orange; brown; yellow; white; gray; black
